(COLUMBUS) -- There were plenty of reasons for the Ohio State football team to be nervous coming into the opener against Akron. On top of suspensions, including three more released on Thursday, it was the first game with Luke Fickell at the helm.

It was also the first start for quarterback Joe Bauserman since his senior year of high school...eight years ago. The 26-year-old didn't fold under the pressure, totaling four touchdowns, three through the air, in the Buckeyes' win, 42-0 over Akron.

All three passing touchdowns for the former minor league baseball player and OSU walk-on were to tight end Jake Stoneburner. The junior only caught four passes all game.

After pulling the starters midway through the third quarter, Buckeye fans were treated to a glimpse of QB Braxton Miller. The true freshman found Devin Smith for a 14-yard score in the fourth.

Later in the frame, he fired a pass to fellow freshman Evan Spencer, who caught it with one hand while managing to stay inbounds.

Ohio State returns to the Shoe for a date with Toledo next Saturday at noon. Akron plays its first home game of the year, next week against Temple.

(DEFIANCE) -- A year after battling the Yellow Jackets to a 19-13 overtime win, the Muskies rolled Defiance in the 2011 season opener, 24-7.

Muskingum struck first, when, in the closing moments of the first quarter, Shane Dotson found the endzone on a two-yard run.

At the same point in the second frame, Muskingum found the house again on the ground. This time it was in the hands of quarterback Dalton Smith.

The sophomore totaled 200 yards passing, including a 67-yard TD pass to Demetrius Bailey early in the fourth quarter. Caleb Carpenter's 32-yard field goal a few minutes later sealed the win for Muskingum.

The Muskies have next week off, before a home game Saturday, September 17th against Marietta.